The conventions of a Thriller

Sound

Non-diegetic music in thrillers is fairly similar in most films. It is used to create tension and anticipation amongst its viewers. To raise anxiety, non diegetic sound is used which is symbolic of the genre, as it helps the onlooker interpret what is about to happen. Non diegetic sound uses sound bridges in thrillers which sharply cuts to another shot. This is a pivital tool in a thriller because the music leaves tension within the film, eventhough there is nothing viewavle on screen. Also, non-diegetic music is important because it helps conote the characters emotions, so the audience can get more of a feel for this making them feel more involved.

Dialogue of the characters in the film is diegetic. Diegetic sound also creates tension, as the voice of the characters shows a sense of realism indicating to the audience the action been witnessed is real, causing them to be on the edge of their seats. 

Music and dialogue pace is reliant on the action scenes in thrillers. This means that if the dialogue is fast and energetic the non-diegetic music will also be quick to match the rythm set.

Characters

In the thriller genre, binary opposites are used  for characters to show bad vs good which is always a theme in a thriller. The good is the protagonist who is the main character, often good looking, strong and has to escape danger and do something positive. The antagonist is a bad character who is commonly a psychopath, stalker, criminal, assasin or terrorist who seeks to kill the protagonist who has done nothing wrong.

Mise-en-scene

This is everyting which apears in the shot/camera,

Thrillers are often set in an exotic or sophisticated location such as a well known city or a place of wealth. These settings tend to be the same most of the way throught the film such as the same hotel or house apart from the very beginning of the film where the location may be in an entirely different country. Having a the setting in an expensive location will increase the significance of what is happening making it more exciting for the audience.

Semiotics is a key part of thrillers too. Lighting is used to indicate atmosphere. If a house is dark this creates a negative tone, adding to the tension suggesting a mysterious or haunted setting. Similarly, clothing can suggest danger towards the viewer. The colour red is often worn as well as black. Red conotes danger, which is iconic of blood. This indicates to the audience that something negative is going to happen, creating a sinister tone. 

Props are not largely used in thrillers apart from weapons like guns iconic to death. This emphaises danger and action in the narrative which is a recurring theme throughout all thrillers. 

Narrative

This is the story which is created in a constructive form. A narrative has a theme to it.

Narratives which are commonly use in thrillers are: terrorism, murder, money, drugs, abduction. Within a thrillers narrative twists and plots are used, making the storyline extremely complex so that audience is kept fixed and interested in the film as it gradually progresses. When a twist in the narrative occurs, this is often when the protagonist is involved in a hig intensity action scene, so again the viewer is concentrating and follows the plot.

Camera

Thrillers are dominated by CU's and MS's of the protagonist. This is done to allows the audience to get a good visual of the main character. It also conotes the importance of this character because they dominate the shot portraying to the onlooker this person is signifcant. CU's and MS's are also used in scenes of action. This allows the watcher to see in detail the violence which adds to the tension and excitement. LS's and ELS's are used very little in thrillers but still exist. They are included as the beginning of some scenes where the setting has changed. This is so the viewer can understand the location has changed, helping them to followe the narrative and know where action will take place. Different camera angles are used in thrillers also to establish the power of a character or place. E.g a low camera angle looking up at the protagonist lets the audience comprehend the robust nature of the character because they appear bigger on screen. Another type of camera use is panning and tracking. Panning is used mostly in scenes of slower pace where the camera follows the main character(s) to reinforce their dominance. Tracking is used in a fast pace scene when travelling to a place of action.

Editing

This involves selecting and combining a variety of shots into one sequence, creating a finished motion. It is referred to as "invisible art" because when it is done well, the viewer becomes so engaged, they are not aware of the editing that has taken place.

Editing is usually fast paced in thrillers, increasing the films intensity. Cuts are used to switch between scenes. This is done quickly so the action is not interrupted so the onlookers interest is not ruined.